Health, cardiologist Gabrielli: "Incorrect lifestyles, under 40s more at heart risk"

'Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse and excessive use of energy drinks cause atrial fibrillation even among apparently healthy young people'

"Incorrect lifestyles, a series of bad habits such as smoking, alcohol and substance abuse, including drugs, as well as excessive consumption of energy drinks, are putting the heart health of those under 40 at risk. Atrial fibrillation - if we exclude subjects with congenital heart disease and existing cardiovascular problems - is now also found in apparently healthy young people, without any gender distinction". This is what Domenico Gabrielli , president of the Fondazione per il Tuo cuore, told Adnkronos Salute, on the sidelines of the 56th Congress of the National Association of Hospital Cardiologists (Anmco) which ends today in Rimini.

Of "8,000-10,000 screenings that we carry out every year in Italy, 20 to 25% are under 40 - Gabrielli emphasizes - Of this 25%, 3-4% already have problems with atrial fibrillation, which is not normal", he warns. Those most at risk are "smokers and young women who start smoking are increasingly more".